Hiring a Server for a Dinner Party at Home: What to Expect
Hiring a server lets you sit down and enjoy your own dinner party. Here is what a server does, what to have ready, and how a typical evening runs.
What a dinner party server does
- Helps set the table and stage serving dishes before guests arrive.
- Greets guests, takes coats and offers drinks.
- Passes appetizers, then serves each course and clears plates between them.
- Pours wine and water and keeps glasses topped up.
- Washes dishes during the evening and cleans the kitchen before leaving.
How many servers to book
For a seated, plated dinner, book one server for every 8 to 12 guests. A dinner for 8 usually needs one server. A dinner for 16 with several courses is easier with two.
What to have ready
- A short brief: the menu, the order of courses, any allergies, and when you want each course to go out.
- Serving dishes, platters and utensils set out or easy to find.
- Clear counter space for plating and a spot for dirty dishes.
- Your wine and drinks chilled or ready, with an opener.
- Where to park and how to get in, especially for condo buildings.
A sample evening
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 6:00 p.m. | Server arrives, reviews the menu with you, sets the table and stages the kitchen. |
| 7:00 p.m. | Guests arrive. Coats, drinks and passed appetizers. |
| 7:45 p.m. | First course served. Wine poured. |
| 8:30 p.m. | Main course, then clearing. |
| 9:30 p.m. | Dessert and coffee. Dishes washed in the background. |
| 10:30 p.m. | Final clearing and kitchen cleanup. Server leaves. |
Working with a caterer
If a caterer is cooking, your server works alongside them: plating, serving and clearing. Let us know who the caterer is and when they arrive so the timeline lines up.
Tips for a smooth night
- Tell your server how formal you want the evening to feel.
- Decide in advance whether you want plates cleared together or as guests finish.
- Book a few days ahead. Ludify accepts requests on as little as 3 days notice when staff are available.
More planning guides
- How Many Servers and Bartenders Do I Need for My Event?
- Do I Need a Special Occasion Permit in Ontario?
- What Does It Cost to Hire Event Staff in Toronto?
Ready to book? Send your date, location and guest count. Tracy Thomson replies within 2 hours with availability and a clear quote. Staff start at $35/hr.
Get a Staffing QuoteOr call (647) 780-7951